THE VOICE SURROUNDING THE WORDS

What is the difference between words and voice?  As I listen to people it is not necessarily the words I remember, but rather it is the voice that I relate to, especially as I grow older and memory is not my strong point.

It’s their voice that resonates within me and brings up something that connects.  I used to be an avid note taker at workshops and events, writing down every word I could.  I have boxes of notebooks full of those written words, some unread after the workshop or event was over.  But now I listen more to the voice of a speaker and I find I remember, not so much the words spoken, but what resonates through the voice surrounding those words.  Perhaps that is Spirit meeting spirit and that’s why I remember some things and hold on to those things while many of the words fly by me.

So much training in spiritual things is done in getting the words right; the right way to prepare a sermon, or write a paper; words upon words, upon words.  I’m not saying that’s not important, but I believe there are things more important; like where are the words spoken coming from and what is the energy around the words?

Eloquent speakers, well trained and educated in the mechanics of speech and writing are many in number.  The assembly line of schools and seminaries are producing these speakers and filling the churches all over the world.  And yet, the overall condition of churches, especially in the United States is poor, sickly, and in many cases dying.  I hear things like ‘God is dead’, ‘We’re living in a post Christian age’, ‘Religion is a bad thing’, and so on.  That may be the world’s perception but it is not mine.  God and Jesus are alive and well and those who practice a religion, a way of life that believes that are flourishing.

It’s those who don’t know it all; those who don’t settle for statements but quest after the questions who are alive and well; not in the minds of conventional understanding but in the Presence of the Living God, who alone is True Wisdom.  “What are you seeking?”  “Who do you say I am?” “Do you love me?”  Seek, ask, and knock are the keys to the Kingdom of God.  Seek, you will find, ask it will be given, and knock, it will be opened.  These are the signs of those on a quest and who live in the Mystery.  The treasure found and the pearl of great price is nothing less than God Himself, alive and Present with us all.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.

He will dwell with them, and they will be His people,

And God Himself will be with them as their God. ‘ ”

Revelation 21:3